4. Logan
4
LOGAN
I watch her, her shoulders squared and head held high, as she makes her proposition. She has guts—I'll give her that. Most people cower when they see me, but not her. She's desperate, though, and desperation can make people daring.
"What's your name?" I ask.
"Serena Mitchell," she says.
"Logan Pierce," I reply, extending my hand.
She hesitates before shaking it, her grip firm.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Her teeth are clenched as she says it.
I can’t help but chuckle.
"Your offer is intriguing, Ms. Mitchell. But let me be clear: I will take your deal on one condition. If my niece isn't thrilled with everything about this party, there's no deal. Understand?"
She nods. "I understand."
What I don't tell her is that my niece, Abby, is rarely satisfied and impossible to please. If Serena can manage to make Abby happy, it'll be a miracle. And if she fails, well, her eviction will proceed as planned. It's a win-win for me.
"Good. The party is in two weeks. Can you handle that?"
"Yes," she says without hesitation. "I'll need to know what your niece likes. And her name of course", she winks.
"Abby is... particular," I say, choosing my words carefully. "She has expensive tastes and high expectations. I'll send you a list of her preferences. You'll have access to any resources you need."
“Can I meet her? I do better when I know the person I’m planning for.”
"We'll see," I say, glancing at my watch. "I'll have my assistant email you the details by tomorrow. In the meantime, you'd better start planning. Remember, Ms. Mitchell, if Abby isn't happy, the deal is off."
"Understood," she says, turning to leave.
I watch her go, a small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. This will be interesting. Abby is a challenge, to say the least, and if Serena can pull this off, she might deserve a chance to keep her shop. But if not, well, it's just business.
I head back to my office, already drafting an email to my assistant. I include a detailed list of Abby's preferences, from her favorite colors to the kind of cake she likes. I make sure to highlight her fondness for extravagance and her tendency to be hard to please.
As I hit send, I can't help thinking about Serena's determination and her bold approach. She's fighting for her livelihood, and I respect that. But respect won't keep her shop open. Results will. And if she fails, she'll learn a harsh lesson about making deals with people like me.
Now, if only I can keep my hands off her.
The following day, I get a call from my assistant, Gina, confirming that she's sent Serena the details. "I've also included the contact information for our preferred vendors," she adds.
"Good," I reply. "Make sure she's given everything she needs. I don't want any excuses when she fails."
"Understood, Mr. Pierce," Gina says before hanging up.
I lean back in my chair, staring out the window at the city below. My thoughts drift to Abby. My brother-in-law’s death left a void that I've tried to fill, but I'm not exactly the fatherly type. Planning a four-year-old's birthday party is the last thing I want to be doing, but I owe it to my sister to make sure Abby is taken care of.
Serena's offer came at the right time. If she can pull this off, it solves two problems for me. If not, well, there are always other planners. I wonder if I should actually hire another one, as a plan B…My phone buzzes, snapping me out of my thoughts.
By three o’clock, I find myself standing outside Serena's shop, watching through the window as she arranges a display of cake pops. She looks focused and determined.
She’s so damn sexy.
How can I be so attracted to someone who is everything I shouldn’t be impressed by?
I need someone professional, a gorgeous accessory on my arm who can also talk shop. I need someone who will support me and help me achieve all of my dreams while understanding that her goals are fine, but I am the breadwinner. Call me old school, but that’s how I was raised.
That’s not this woman.
She’s more laid-back—intuitive. But she clearly doesn’t know her place in the world. Well, in MY world anyway.
She’s not the one for me but why is she all I can think about?
I push open the door, the bell chiming as I step inside.
"Welcome to Sweet Treats!” she calls out cheerfully. Her entire demeanor changes when she sees that it’s me. “What can I do for you?"
"I'm here to check on your progress," I say, glancing around the shop. "How's the party planning going?"
"You don’t miss a beat, do you?”, she asks, wiping her hands on her apron. “Everything is on track,". "I've spoken to the vendors, looked at a few venues, and started on ideas for decorations. Abby will have the best birthday party she's ever had. But I’d really like to meet her first to make sure I’m capturing her essence and what she wants.”
"She’s four. She doesn’t have an essence or even know what she wants.”
“Yes she does,” she giggles.
“Trust me, I know my niece better than anyone.”
“I trust that you do know, but I’d still like to meet her.”
I let out a long sigh and pull out my phone. I call Deidre.
“Logan,” she says.
“Dee, what’s Abby doing tonight?”
“Wreaking havoc on me and her sisters,” she sighs.
“I’m picking her up at five thirty to make sure I get everything right for her party.”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m picking her up at five-thirty. I’ll take her to dinner and to the park or something. Give you a small break.”
“Wait, is this a joke?”
“No. I know I haven’t been around much, but…I’m trying to be helpful here.”
“I’ll take it,” she murmurs. “Thanks.”
I hang up the phone and don’t miss the small smile playing on Serena’s face.
“What are your shop’s hours?”
“I’m here until six.”
“Great, we’ll come in right about closing time, and you can meet Abby before she and I go to dinner.”
“Perfect,” she breathes. She looks down at her watch. “I can probably whip up some cake samples for her, too, really fast.”
“Cake samples?”
“Yeah, unless you had something else in mind?”
“No, I assumed you’d have someone else bake the cake.”
“Don’t be silly. It’s one of my favorite parts of planning. My Gran used to be one of the best bakers in Sierra Madre. Award-winning cakes. I can’t tell you how many Hollywood celebrities only wanted her to bake their cakes.”
“And you run a candy store?”
“I’m a woman of many talents, Mr. Pierce, which you would see if you stopped looking down your perfect nose at me.”
“I’ll let Abby be the judge of that,” I say with a smile before I start out of the store.
“Does she have any allergies?”
“No,” I answer quickly.
Actually, I don’t know the answer to that.
I shoot a text to Deirdre quickly and ask. Luckily, I was right.
Damn, if it’s not sexy as hell that Serena goes right back at me. She’s not rude either, just confident and I love it.
As I walk back to my office, I admire her tenacity. She's putting everything on the line for this. She doesn’t have any reason to trust me, and yet she does. I don’t know if I should be impressed or feel sorry for her.
“Uncle Logy!” Abby shrieks as she runs to jump into my arms.
She is her usual spirited self, bouncing with energy as her mother looks like she’s ready to pull her hair out.
“Every time I get the twins down, she wakes them up. I’m exhausted.”
“She wakes them up on purpose?”
“Well, I can’t prove that. She’s four, but…she’s a handful, and I just need a break. Thank you for taking her, even if it’s just for a bit.”
“I’ll try to do more. I’m sorry, Dee. I’ve been so focused on the company I’ve let a lot of stuff slide.”
“Everyone has a life, and sometimes we bury ourselves in the mundane so that we don’t have to deal with reality.”
She’s right. Ever since my brother-in-law passed, I’ve not picked my head up out of the sand.
“I tried to put her in a cute little dress, and instead, well, you get Spiderman.”
“I see that,” I laugh.
“I try to get her to be a girl, but…I’m tired of fighting with her.”
“Maybe we can come to a compromise at some point and get her in a tutu or something.”
“Shit. I didn’t think of that. All I could think about was mom judging me because she’s dressed like a little boy.”
“Mom is old school,” I shrug. “I think she’s adorable.”
“The therapist said it’s just a phase, and she’ll outgrow it.”
“You ready to go, Spidey?”
“Yes! Bye, Mama!”
She blows her mom a kiss, and I hear the twins start to stir as we leave.
Dee looks drained. I need to step up more than I have. It’s not all on me, though. My family should be helping out, too. I’ll mention something to my mother.
As we drive, Abby chatters nonstop. By the time we reach the store, she’s practically vibrating with anticipation.
"Uncle Logy, are we there yet?" she asks for the fifth time in ten minutes.
"Almost, Abby," I reply, glancing at her in the rearview mirror.
Her eyes are open wide with curiosity, and her feet swing back and forth impatiently.
When we finally get out in front of Serena's candy store, Abby gasps. The storefront is a riot of colors, with bright pink and purple decorations that make it look like a candy-coated nightmare.
"Wow! It's like a dream!" Abby’s eyes go wide, her earlier crankiness forgotten in an instant.
She practically drags me towards the entrance, her small hand gripping mine tightly. We step inside, and there's a display table in the center covered with treats.
"Welcome to Sweet Treats," Serena says, greeting us with a warm smile.
She's arranged a table with various treats for me to try, and I notice she’s smartly limited the amount Abby can sample.
"Hi, Serena," I say, returning her smile. "What’s all this?”
"I wanted to create something special. Hi there. Are you Abby? Or are you Spiderman?"
"Hi! Both!" Abby chirps, her eyes sparkling as she sees the 3D-printed cakes and the decorations that look like a herd of unicorns just stormed through.
Serena kneels down to Abby's level, her smile genuine. "Do you like unicorns, Abby? Or do you prefer Superheroes?"
"I love them both!" Abby exclaims. "They're my favorite!"
"Well, you're in luck," Serena says, pointing to the table. "I have some unicorn-themed treats just for you. Would you like to try one?"
Abby nods eagerly, and Serena carefully hands her a small, pastel-colored cupcake. Abby takes a bite, her face lighting up with pure delight.
"This is the best cupcake ever!" she declares, her earlier difficulties completely forgotten.
"I'm glad you like it," Serena says. "I have more surprises for you. How about we look at some decorations together?"
"Okay!" Abby agrees, following Serena to another table where a variety of imaginative decorations are laid out.
“But don’t you worry, I took into account that you may love superheroes too. Do you want to know a secret?”
“Yes!”
“I used to love superheroes too! I always thought I was Superwoman.”
Abby’s eyes are wide as she grins back at Serena. It’s like, in a matter of seconds, the two of them have bonded.
As I watch them, I'm struck by how quickly Serena builds a rapport with Abby. She talks to her with such ease, making her feel special and important. It's a stark contrast to how I struggle with my own niece sometimes.
"Abby, do you think these decorations would look good at your party?" Serena asks, holding up a string of sparkly unicorn garlands.
"Yes! They're so pretty!" Abby jumps and pumps her fists with excitement.
"I'm so glad you think so. We can use all of these to make your party magical."
Abby bobs her head, completely enthralled by Serena and her candy wonderland. I feel a sense of relief. If Serena can keep Abby this happy, then maybe, just maybe, this party might actually work.
But then I’m stuck with this eyesore near my building.
“I love them.”
“Abby, what about this?” Serena asks as she gets on her tablet and starts drawing something.
I peek over her shoulder to see that she’s drawing a unicorn wearing a Spiderman costume. She makes a series of unicorns wearing superhero costumes.
“Whoa!” Abby gushes. “That one, that one!”
“You just did those free hand?” I ask in awe. “That’s quite impressive.”
“It’s a good skill to have,” she shrugs. “What do you think, Abby? Would you like these guys at your party?”
“Yes!”
“How can you deliver that? No one will be able to make that in two weeks.”
“I make a lot of my own decorations if I have to. I have a 3D printer and a lot of other tools to work with.”
"You've really exceeded my expectations. This is incredible."
She nods and goes back to talking to Abby while also taking notes on her tablet.
"Thank you," she replies, standing up and turning to face me. "I want to make sure Abby has the best birthday ever."
"Well, you're off to a great start," I admit, watching Abby as she marvels at a display of colorful candies.
"I hope so," Serena’s eyes meet mine. "She's a wonderful little girl. I'm glad I can help."
Abby tugs on Serena's sleeve, drawing her attention back. "Can we make a candy necklace, Serena?"
"Of course, we can," she laughs, taking Abby's hand and leading her to another table set up with candy beads and strings.
Abby is smiling, laughing, and completely engaged. Serena's efforts are paying off, and I can see the genuine connection she's forming with Abby.
The little girl before me isn’t cranky. She isn’t getting into trouble. She is excited, attentive, and loving every minute of this.
I really do need to step up more. Three kids under the age of four is a lot for one woman to handle.
"Uncle Logan, look!" Abby calls out, holding up her half-finished candy necklace. "Isn't it pretty?"
"It's beautiful, Abby," I say, smiling at her. "You're doing a great job."
“We can have this at the party, too,” Serena grins back at Abby. Serena’s eyes flit up to mine. “I made a little basket of things to try for you.”
“For me?”
“Yeah, you’re so adamant that the store is an eyesore, but you haven’t tried anything in it or attempted to understand the need for the colors.”
She’s right, but I won’t let her see that yet.
I walk over to the table, where I see two baskets wrapped in cellophane.
“What’s this one?”
“I took the liberty of Googling your name,” she says sheepishly. “I saw…I read about your brother-in-law, and I made a little basket for Abby’s mom. I thought she could use it.”
I glance at the basket and notice that she filled it with sweet treats but also added a few scented candles and facial stuff.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
She shrugs and keeps her focus on Abby.
As rude as I’ve been to this woman, the fact that she made a gift basket for my sister that she doesn’t even know speaks volumes about who she is as a human.
Have I just misjudged her and jumped to conclusions? Spoken like a true Pierce for sure…